By the time Saturday arrived, Melody and Becky were working the drive-through windows like old hands. Of course, every day had its own challenges, mostly from rude or impatient customers, but Melody remembered the advice she had been given and kept her positive attitude. At two o’clock, she was relieved and went to clock out. Melody would have Sunday off and then start her first 8-hour shift on Monday from 8AM to 4PM. Becky was still working by the deep sink, cleaning parts which Melody assumed went to the ice cream machine.
“I’ll see you in the car,” Melody called out to her.
As Melody made her way to the lobby, she saw Wendy sitting at a table and waved to her. Immediately, Wendy gestured for her to come over. Melody walked up and greeted her with a smile. “Hey, Wendy. Working late tonight?”
“Yes,” she said. “Sit down for a second.”
Melody sat across from her. “What’s up?”
“Just gonna give you fair warning, and you can pass this on to Becky. This is something the managers won’t tell you.”
Melody’s facial expression quickly turned to one of concern.
“This place is a soap opera,” Wendy began. “So many people here date, break up, cheat on each other, and create love triangles. Both you and your friend Becky are going to be starting full time next week and every guy here knows it. The boys in the grill were all hoping you’d stick around for a while, so don’t be surprised if you get asked out sometime next week.”
Melody couldn’t help but smile. “Seriously?”
“Seriously,” Wendy answered. “Take it for what it’s worth. People come here to make some money during the summer, but they end up falling in love and eventually get hurt. Just use your head.”
Becky approached and stood next to Melody. “Ready?”
“Yes,” Melody said, getting up. “Thanks, Wendy.”
“Anytime.”
As the girls walked through the parking lot, Becky asked, “What was that all about?”
Melody repeated what Wendy had told her.
“Oh, I could have told you that,” Becky laughed. “You haven’t noticed the boys straining their necks over the grill partition to get a look at you? God, you’re oblivious.”
“I’m not interested in boys right now,” Melody explained as she unlocked the driver’s side door. “We’re here to make our Florida money.”
“I know that,” Becky said over the roof of the car. “But that doesn’t mean we’re living in a convent. We’re allowed a little fun. Do you seriously want to go to Florida with absolutely no experience at all?”
Melody thought about that. She certainly didn’t want a boyfriend, but what harm could a little dating do? She supposed it could be fun. In fact, maybe dating a few boys was just what she needed to finally straighten out and be normal. As they drove home, Becky talked about their first paychecks and how they would need to open savings accounts.
“As soon as we get paid, we’ll get ourselves set up at the bank. Imagine, our own money!” Becky beamed.
***
Monday came quickly and Melody got to the McDonald’s parking lot at 7:50AM. Becky had been scheduled an hour earlier and had ridden her bicycle. Melody saw it chained to a fence post and parked in front of it. She had offered to drive Becky, but Becky had insisted that Melody did not have to get up and arrive early on account of her. Becky said she liked the exercise in the cool summer morning. Melody made a mental note as she walked inside that though she could drive now, she still needed to make time for her skateboard.
After clocking in and greeting other employees, Melody got to work. She started the day with Josephine on the front window, and by now, they had become a reliable team. Time went by quickly, and at one o’clock, Melody was told to take her thirty-minute break. After clocking out, Melody wrote in the manager’s ledger that she was taking a fish filet sandwich, a small fry, and a small drink. Melody then proceeded to the break room with her lunch.
“When you get off break, you are taking over the first window register,” the manager on duty called out to her. Melody acknowledged him and went to eat.
Melody sat down and unwrapped her sandwich, happy to be off her feet. She would have liked to have eaten with Becky, but her break had already ended. She ate silently and listened to the hustle and bustle coming from the grill area. Now that she was a full-time employee, Melody wanted to ask if she could work the grill too, believing it would be a break from dealing with customers. Melody was lost in her thoughts when one of the boys from the grill came into the break room. He was tall, thin, had tanned skin, dark shaggy hair, and brown eyes.
“Hi, Melody.”
“Hello Billy. How are things?”
“Oh, just fine,” he said as he sat down across from her. Melody noticed the huge grease stain on Billy’s shirt and the beads of sweat on his forehead. She had not considered the heat she would have to endure in the grill area, especially during the summer.
“Hey, ummm, I was wondering,” he began. “Are you doing anything this Friday night? I saw you’re getting off work at four.”
As he spoke, Melody could see Billy was a little unsure of himself, and possibly nervous. She assumed he was the same age as her, maybe a year older. Melody supposed boys gained experience in their own way, and asking a girl out was part of their rite of passage.
“I don’t have any plans,” Melody answered, trying to make it as easy for him as possible.
“Well, I was wondering if you’d like to go to a movie with me.”
Melody wanted to say yes immediately but couldn’t. She did not want to make plans with this boy only to end up breaking them. As always, Melody spoke honestly.
“I’d like to Billy, but I don’t know yet,” Melody began as she chose her words carefully. “I just turned sixteen this month and I’ve never been on a date before. I don’t know if my folks will let me. Let me ask my mom tonight. Can I give you an answer tomorrow?”
“OK,” he said. “Can I have your number?”
“If my mother allows me to go out with you on Friday, I’ll give you my number,” Melody smiled.
“OK, thanks Melody. I have to get back to work.”
After Billy’s quick departure, Melody heard laughter and boos coming from the grill. She assumed the other cooks had covered for him and were now giving him a hard time. She wondered if that was routine behavior, or if it was because she was new, and he had been the first one to ask her out. Melody could not wait to tell Becky, but also wondered how she would bring the subject up at home. All too familiar with her mother, Melody knew she would have to use very delicate diplomacy. She could not risk overwhelming her. After all, it was only recently that she had gotten her driver’s license and a job. Melody already knew she would have to listen to the “Oh, you are growing up too fast” routine again, but would endure it for a chance to go on her first date. She thought Billy was a nice enough boy and deserved a date with her since he was the brave one who had asked her first. As Melody returned to work, she hoped she would not have to disappoint him. After their shifts, Melody helped Becky get her bicycle into the backseat of the Aspen. It was a tight fit, but they managed to wedge it in. When the girls got in the front seat, Melody told Becky her news.
“Billy asked me out for Friday night!” Melody exclaimed with glee.
“Well, my pretty little blonde, you are not the only fair maiden of yon burger joint. Bob asked me out for Friday night as well.”
“What did you say?” Melody asked.
“Are you kidding? I said yes. Didn’t you?”
“Not yet.”
“Well, what are you waiting for?” Becky asked
Melody explained that her mother would be indecisive as usual and probably leave it up to her father to make the decision.
“Do you like Billy?” Becky asked.
“I don’t know,” Melody admitted. “I liked being asked out.”
Becky laughed, then tried to help. “Look, how about this, I’ll tell Bob I have to double date with you. I’m sure he’ll agree, we’re just going to a movie. Your mom will know you are out with me and not all alone with a strange boy that she doesn’t know.”
Melody thought it over. She knew her mother was not fond of Becky. However, there was safety in numbers, a simple fact not even her mother could disagree with. Finally, Melody asked, “You’d do that for me?”
“Of course,” Becky smiled. “Anything for my girl. Besides, we’re only going to Five Mile, it’s not even that far from your house.”
Becky continued talking as they headed home, but Melody had her mind on her mother. How could she refuse? She was working, had done well in school, and was showing real responsibility. Why couldn’t she go to a movie? Besides, even if her mother didn’t like Becky that much, she had to know Becky would never let anything happen to her. As she dropped Becky off, Melody figured her chances of getting her mother’s permission were better than fifty percent.
Later, in her room, Melody rehearsed like a lawyer about to present a case. She prepared her points and counterpoints while trying to imagine any possible objection her mother may present. The last thing Melody wanted was the dreaded, “Let me ask your father” answer, but it was probably inevitable. The date became more important to Melody as dinnertime drew closer. She wanted a first date and felt she was ready, but there was more to it. The thought of Becky being at the drive-in with a boy, while she sat home alone, made her jealous. She did not want to be left behind, and eventually forgotten, while Becky’s social life became more exciting. Melody also felt a tinge of possessiveness. She had always spent her Friday nights with Becky. The thought of watching television alone, while Becky was out with someone else, upset her.
That night, Melody sat at the table, picking at her meatloaf and mashed potatoes. She was nervous about bringing the subject up, but also wanted to get it over with. It was her mother who actually got the conversation started.
“Make sure you don’t eat too much junk at your job, Dear,” Barbara warned. “I’d hate to see you lose your beautiful complexion with all that grease.”
“I won’t, Mama. I don’t want to gain weight either. I’m starting on the volleyball team this fall.”
“My word, you’re going to be a junior. The time is just flying so fast. You’ll be graduating before I know it.”
It was now or never.
“Mama, I need to ask you something.”
“What is it, Dear?”
“A boy at work asked me out to a movie this Friday night. I did not give him an answer, I told him I would have to ask you first.”
Barbara swallowed her mouthful of potatoes and placed the fork next to her plate. The one day she had always feared had finally arrived. A boy was interested in her daughter. Even without her biased eyes, Barbara knew Melody was a stunning beauty. This boy would only be the first of many to pursue her. Placing her hands in her lap, Barbara sighed, wishing Douglas was here to help her.
“Child, I don’t know. Who is he?” Barbara finally asked.
“Just a boy from work, Mama. He works in the grill. He’s my age. His name is Billy.”
“Well I appreciate the fact that you waited to ask me before giving him an answer. That was very mature.” This raised Melody’s hopes, but they fell as Barbara continued. “I don’t know, Melody. Dating at your age? Aren’t you still a little young?”
“Mama, it’s just a ride out to the drive-in. You can meet him before we go and he’ll bring me straight home,” Melody pleaded. When Barbara responded with a silent expression of nervous indecision, Melody played her last card. “Becky will be with us.”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Melody!” Barbara protested as she threw her hands into the air. “Becky, Becky, Becky! Doesn’t she have her own life? Why on earth would you want her to chaperone your date?”
“No Mama, it’s not like that,” Melody explained quickly, trying to regain some lost ground. “Another boy asked Becky for a date also and we talked on the way home. She’s never been on a date either. We’re both a little nervous, but we thought it would be best if we did this together. We can look out for each other.”
Barbara remained silent.
“Mama, please. It’s my first date. I want to do this.”
Barbara stared at her plate undecided. Melody was a good girl who never asked for anything. She could handle herself, and maybe it was reassuring to know Becky would be with her. However, Barbara also knew about drive-in movie shenanigans. She remembered how the girls would talk about their own experiences back when she was in school. Barbara felt uncomfortable and didn’t want to decide on the spot. She needed to think about it. Barbara could feel Melody’s eyes on her, demanding an answer.
Melody finally dropped her eyes in defeat and tried to eat. She fought the good fight, but just didn’t have enough ammunition tonight. She began thinking of how it would be best to let Billy down. Melody wanted to save his feelings as best she could by explaining it was not her decision.
Suddenly, the phone broke the silence, startling them both. Melody hoped it was not Becky, already wanting to know what her mother’s answer had been. Barbara backed away from the table, stood up, and walked over to the wall where the phone hung. She picked it up, put the receiver to her ear, and answered.
“Oh Douglas!” she said, sounding very much relieved. “As I live and breathe, your ears must have been burning.”
Melody could never get used to the odd, old fashioned sayings her mother always used. She listened as her mother prattled on about the weather and how the refrigerator needed to have the light bulb replaced. Melody waited patiently for her mother to finally get around to the only subject of any real importance.
“A boy from McDonald’s asked Melody out for a date Friday night,” Barbara said at last. “If she goes, it will be a double date. Becky and another boy would be with them.”
Melody looked up to see her mother looking back at her while listening to her husband and answering his questions.
“I don’t know… I suppose one of the boys is driving... The drive-in... I’d have to see the paper. I’m sure the movie starts as soon as it gets dark... Well, she said they wanted to go together because they were both nervous, it being their first date and all... Well of course I’ll be home. I plan to meet both of them.”
As Barbara listened to Douglas, she nodded her head as if he could see her. After a couple of “uh-huhs”, she pulled the handset away from her ear and offered it to Melody. “Your father wants to speak with you.”
Melody rose to her feet and circled around the table to take the phone from her mother. This was unexpected. Of all the scenarios she had dreamed up in her room, talking to her father on the phone tonight never came to mind. He had all the information he needed, so there was nothing to talk about. She would simply get his answer and that would be that. Melody put the phone to her ear.
“Hello, Daddy.”
“Don’t ‘Hello Daddy’ me, young lady,” Douglas answered in a playful manner. “What’s this I hear about some boy wanting to take my daughter out?”
“His name is Billy.”
“Billy, huh,” her father repeated. “Melody, listen to me. I’ll be home Friday night. I’m going to allow you to go but promise me something. I want you and Becky to both carry a quarter with you. There should still be a payphone at the drive-in entrance. If there is trouble, you call the house and I’ll come get you both. Understand?”
“Yes, Daddy.”
“And no making out in the back seat,” Douglas chuckled. “Don’t come home with a neck full of hickies.”
“Daddy!”
“You have a good time, Sweetheart. Let me talk to your mother.”
Melody handed the phone back to Barbara and returned to her seat. Her appetite suddenly returned, and she finished her plate quickly. Melody cleared the table and did the dishes as her mother continued talking. Melody hummed happily to herself as the sink filled with suds. While scrubbing the plates, she thought about what to wear and how she should fix her hair Friday night.
The next morning, Melody drove to Becky’s house, barely able to contain her excitement. As she turned onto Beckwith street, Melody saw Becky already waiting outside for her. After Melody pulled up alongside the curb, Becky got into the car and said, “Oh my God! Your mom said yes!”
“How did you know?” Melody asked.
“Because I know you so well, my love. It’s all over your face.”
“My God, am I that obvious?”
“Only to me,” Becky answered, squeezing her thigh. “Let’s get to work and tell the boys the good news.”
In the break room, Becky stood by as Melody spoke to Billy. Melody explained she could go to the drive-in, but only as a double date, and in addition, he would have to meet her mother. Billy agreed and the date was set. Melody wrote down her address and phone number on a slip of paper and handed it to him. Billy then returned to the grill victorious, thumbing his nose at the other grill cooks who had teased him yesterday.
“Well that was easy enough,” Becky said with a smile. “He would have agreed to anything to take you out, you know that? C’mon, let’s clock in.”
***
It was a long week of work for the girls, but Friday had finally arrived. It was getting close to three o’clock and Melody was watching the time. The day had dragged for her and she thought four o’clock would never come. Billy would be picking her up tonight at seven. Three hours did not seem like enough time for her to get ready, considering she had still not decided what to wear. Melody also worried that Billy would back out at the last minute. How disappointed she would be if she looked her best, only to get an apologetic phone call at 6:45. Quitting time finally arrived. After clocking out with Becky, Melody said goodbye to Billy and raced out the door.
At 6:30, Melody was in her bathroom, looking herself over carefully in the mirror. Disappointed she could still not feather her hair like Becky’s, she decided to simply wear her hair down with two purple barrettes. Melody had selected her purple blouse, best blue jeans, and the purple pumps that she had bought with the last of her birthday money. She wore little makeup but liked how she looked with black eyeliner. Melody had also applied a thin layer of purple lipstick to complete her look. Gazing at the mirror, Melody wondered if she should try purple eyeshadow for the first time but assumed her mother would make a fuss about the makeup she was already wearing. After nodding confidently at her reflection, Melody decided she was ready. She returned to her bedroom and sat down in her old wooden rocker for a few moments before going downstairs.
Barbara was seated at the kitchen table watching the clock. When Melody finally came downstairs to join her, Barbara looked disappointed. “Melody, dungarees?”
“What’s wrong with jeans?”
“Oh, Melody,” her mother sighed. “In my day, a young lady wore a dress for a date, and the young man came to the door wearing a jacket and tie. I suppose this Billy will be wearing blue jeans also?”
“Mama, it’s 1987!” Melody protested.
“I know. I know,” Barbara said, well aware her point of view was seldom appreciated. “My father used to hire farm hands who showed up wearing blue jeans. You’re going to a movie, not plowing a field. And you have the most beautiful eyes, why are you wearing that black garbage under them?”
“Mama, I like eyeliner.”
“Well, I don’t. Pretty girls like you don’t need to paint themselves. You look better with your face washed clean. May I at least take a photo of you and your date before you leave?”
“Mother!”
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. During their conversation, neither Melody nor Barbara heard the car pull up. Deep in Melody’s belly, a swarm of butterflies awoke and took flight.
“Oh God,” Melody whispered.
“Don’t be nervous, Dear,” Barbara said, standing up to answer the door. Melody stood still, not knowing what else to do.
Barbara opened the door and allowed Billy inside. He was followed by Becky, and then Robert. Barbara now wished Douglas had been able to get home earlier this evening. This being her daughter’s first date, Barbara was unsure of herself and tried to disguise her awkwardness while attempting to project an air of authority.
“Good evening, Mrs. Mivshek. I’m Billy Freeman,” the lad said and offered his hand. He was wearing a Detroit Tigers jersey and of course, blue jeans.
“Nice to meet you, Billy,” Barbara answered while shaking his hand. Melody took a step closer and prayed nothing embarrassing would happen.
“Hello, Mrs. Mivshek,” Becky said. “This is Bob.”
“Robert Zimmerman, ma’am,” the boy said, also offering his hand.
“Hello Becky. Nice to meet you Robert,” Barbara replied and shook his hand as well. Though she was disappointed to see everyone wearing jeans, Barbara was appalled at Becky’s appearance. Her black jeans looked as if they had gone through a wood-chipper and her Slayer T-shirt was both inappropriate and offensive. In addition to her heavy black eyeliner and mascara, Becky wore black lipstick which Barbara found repulsive.
“Hi Melody,” Billy said with a hint of nervousness.
“Hi Billy,” Melody answered, walking over to stand next to him.
“Well, I suppose you all want to get going,” Barbara stated, sensing the boys were uncomfortable in her presence. “Have Melody home by ten o’clock,” she said, knowing the movie started at eight and would end around nine-thirty.
“Yes ma’am, I will,” Billy promised as he took Melody by the hand. “I’ll bring her straight home.”
“Good. You children have a good time,” Barbara said as the couples made their exit. Even though Melody’s back was turned, Barbara could sense her daughter rolling her eyes after the word ‘children’ escaped her lips. It was a slip, but otherwise, Barbara thought she had handled herself well. Barbara looked out the window as Melody got into the front seat of an Oldsmobile, nodding in approval after Billy opened the door for her. She imagined it was Billy’s father who had reminded him to do so. As the car drove away, Barbara returned to her chair and sat quietly for a while. She would wait up for Melody but promised herself not to spy on her as Billy brought her to the door. Ten minutes later, Douglas came through the front door.
“Did I miss anything?” he asked with a chuckle.
***
The sun was just falling below the treetops as Billy pulled into a spot. Melody liked his car; it was bigger than the Aspen and the engine hardly made any noise at all. During the drive, there was conversation, but mostly between Billy and Robert. Melody merely fiddled with her fingers and listened. Billy hadn’t even told her how nice she looked, which disappointed her. Though she was no longer nervous, she was happy to have Becky close by.
“What would you like, Melody?” Billy asked as he opened his car door. “Do you like popcorn?”
“Yes, please,” she answered.
“And to drink?”
She thought for a moment and said, “Root beer if they have it. If not, any soda is fine. Nothing diet.”
“Cool. Be right back,” he said, exiting the car. Bob got out also, leaving the girls by themselves.
“Do you want me to go with you?” Melody called out through the driver’s side window.
“No. We’re good,” Billy said as he and Bob made their way to the concession stand.
As soon as they were out of sight, Melody turned around. “Becky, do I look alright? Billy didn’t say anything!”
“Melody, you are stunning,” Becky told her as she leaned forward. “Billy is the luckiest guy in town.”
“Well, it would have been nice if he told me.”
“Honey, these boys are novices. They flew out of this car the first chance they got and are probably giving each other bad advice as we speak.” Becky said.
“You think so?”
“I know so,” Becky assured her. “Just relax and be your sweet self, that should ease him up a little.”
“You look beautiful,” Melody said. “Like you’re ready to go to a concert.”
“I’m not going to be fake for anybody,” Becky said as her tone turned serious. “If a boy asks me out, he’s getting the real me. If he doesn’t like it, screw him. I’m not putting up a false façade to impress a anyone.”
“I love that about you, Becky,” Melody said with a smile. “Don’t ever change.”
Becky returned her smile. Seeing how beautiful Melody looked, she didn’t care if their dates ever came back.
The screen lit up and previews began. Melody liked the big screen. She looked around and noticed men and boys returning with drinks and snacks as their dates waited in the passenger seats. She watched this ritual, realizing that she too was now a part of it. She suddenly thought of Aunt Holly and could not wait to write her a letter saying she had been on her first date. The dome light suddenly came on as Billy opened his door. He placed a huge tub of popcorn on the seat, then reached onto the roof where he had left the drinks.
“Here you go, Melody.” he said handing her the cup. “One root beer.”
“Thank you, Billy.”
The movie finally began and the four of them watched “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”. Melody relaxed and enjoyed the movie as she laughed at Matthew Broderick’s antics. With the popcorn tub between them, Billy never tried to get close or hold her hand. Melody was not sure if this was done on purpose, or if it was a strategic error on his part. Becky and Bob sat close together so they could watch the film between Melody and Billy’s heads. Aside from Bob bravely placing his hand on her knee, and Becky putting her hand on top of his, nothing happened in the backseat.
After the movie, Billy pulled up to Melody’s house with seven minutes to spare. He would have to drop Becky off next, then Robert, and finally go home. After putting his father’s Oldsmobile into park, he got out, walked around the hood, and opened the door for Melody. After Becky and Robert both bid her goodnight from the back seat, Billy walked Melody to her front door. As he faced her, Billy rubbed the back of his neck nervously.
“That was fun, Melody.”
“Yes, Billy.”
“Can I call you to go out again sometime?” he asked. “Just the two of us?”
“Of course. I’d like that.”
Billy paused. He knew what he wanted to do, but his body betrayed him and he could not move. Melody felt awkward also but wanted to help. She closed her eyes, tilted her head up, puckered her lips, and lifted her heels off the ground. In no time, she felt Billy’s strong lips touch hers. When the kiss was over, they said goodnight. Becky watched the entire event and smiled to herself. She knew it was not Melody’s first kiss, but she would let her believe it was.
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